Experts advise parents weigh children’s school bags ahead of start of term
How to calculate your child’s exact maximum bag weight
- Weigh your child.
- Multiply your child’s weight by 0.1.
Once you’ve worked out how much your child can safely carry, start adding essentials such as a water bottle, lunchbox and planner to the bag and regularly check the weight. If the number on the scales surpasses the limit, consider which items could be removed.
Packing and wearing a school bag correctly
Packing items in a particular order and wearing the bag as designed can also make a difference, as Dean outlines:
“When packing your bag distribute weight evenly and place heavier items at the top to prevent the shoulders from being pulled backward. A few small adjustments to how children carry their school bags can make a big difference to their long-term musculoskeletal health.
“It’s not always seen as fashionable admittedly, but wearing it on both shoulders and adjusting the straps accordingly is vital to make sure the bag correctly supports the weight, easing pressure on the body.”
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